Orofacial Anomalies

(Adopted 1996, Revised 1997)

The key element in the design of this set of parameters for orofacial anomalies is the professional judgment of the attending dentist, for a specific patient, at a specific time.

The patient's chief complaint, concerns and expectations should be considered by the dentist.

Following oral evaluation (see limited, comprehensive, periodic, detailed and extensive evaluation parameters) and consideration of the patient's needs, the dentist should provide the patient with information about orofacial anomalies prior to obtaining consent for treatment.

The dental and medical histories should be considered by the dentist to identify medications and predisposing conditions that may affect the prognosis, progression and management of orofacial anomalies.

The dentist should utilize a process of differential diagnosis when evaluating orofacial anomalies.

Following evaluation, treatment priority should be given to the management of pain, infection, traumatic injuries or other emergency conditions.

The dentist should consider that the etiology of orofacial anomalies may be multifactorial.

The dentist should consider that the orofacial anomalies may be evidence of systemic disease or medical conditions.

When the dentist considers it necessary, (an)other health care professional(s) should be consulted to acquire additional information.

The dentist should refer the patient to (an)other health professional(s) when the dentist determines that it is in the best interest of the patient.

An interdisciplinary approach may be utilized in the treatment of complex orofacial anomalies.

Craniofacial relationships, musculoskeletal relationships, and the status of the temporomandibular joints, should be considered by the dentist in developing a treatment plan.

Factors affecting the patient's speech, function, and orofacial aesthetics should be considered by the dentist in developing a treatment plan.

The behavioral, psychological, anatomical, developmental and physiological limitations of the patient should be considered by the dentist in developing a treatment plan.

Restorative implications, pulpal/endodontic status, tooth position, and periodontal status and prognosis should be considered in developing a treatment plan.

The dentist may counsel the patient concerning the potential effects of the patient's health condition, medication use and behaviors on his or her oral health.

The dentist should counsel the patient that orofacial anomalies are often managed, rather than resolved.

Medications should be prescribed, modified and/or administered for dental patients whose known conditions would affect or be affected by dental treatment provided without the medication or its modification. The dentist should consult with the prescribing health care professional(s) before modifying medications being taken by the patient for known conditions. (See: ADA Statement on Antibiotic Prophylaxis, Prevention of Bacterial Endocarditis: A Statement for the Dental Profession (PDF), and A-Z Topic: Antibiotic Prophylaxis.)

After consideration of the individual circumstances, the dentist should decide whether the dental anomalies should be monitored or treated.

The dentist should consider the individual needs and desires of each patient in selecting material(s) and treatment(s).

The dentist should recommend treatment; present treatment options, if any; and discuss the probable benefits, limitations and risks associated with treatment and the probable consequences of no treatment.

Any treatment performed should be with the concurrence of the patient and the dentist. If the patient insists upon treatment not considered by the dentist to be beneficial for the patient, the dentist may decline to provide treatment. If the patient insists upon treatment considered by the dentist to be harmful to the patient, the dentist should decline to provide treatment.

Relevant and appropriate information about the patient and any necessary coordinated treatment should be communicated between the referring dentist and the health professional(s) accepting the referral.

The dentist should emphasize the prevention and early detection of oral diseases through patient education in preventive oral health practices.

The dentist should determine the frequency and type of preventive treatment based on the patient's risk factors or presence of oral disease(s).

The dentist should be responsible for educating the patient about maintaining good oral hygiene, appropriate for the patient's condition.

The dentist should consider, and inform the patient, that treatment for orofacial anomalies may include multiple phases of treatment.

The dentist should consider that orofacial anomalies may develop or become clinically apparent at any time during an individual's lifetime.

The dentist should attempt to manage the patient's pain, anxiety and behavior during treatment to facilitate safety, efficiency and patient cooperation. (See: ADA Policy Statement: The Use of Sedation and General Anesthesia by Dentists and Guidelines for the Use of Sedation and General Anesthesia by Dentists.)

The dentist may prescribe and/or administer pharmacological agents.

Resective or reconstructive surgical procedures may be performed by the dentist.

Oral orthopedic treatment may be utilized.

Dental sealants may be applied as a preventive measure.

Alteration of tooth morphology and/or placement of restorations may be performed.

Transitional or provisional restorations may be utilized by the dentist to facilitate treatment.

Endodontic therapy may be performed by the dentist.

Surgical management of this condition may include the removal of teeth, and other intra-oral and extra-oral surgical approaches. The patient should be informed of appropriate treatments to maintain space and/or replace teeth.

Fixed, removable or implant supported prosthesis(es) may be used by the dentist.

Periodontal procedures may be performed by the dentist to facilitate treatment.

The dentist should consider the compatibility of the selected treatment with the surrounding oral tissues and should provide an environment accessible for maintenance.

The dentist should communicate, by prescription, necessary information and authorization for the fabrication of the appliance(s) or prosthesis(es) to the dental laboratory technician. Although the fabrication may be delegated, the dentist is responsible for the accuracy and delivery of the appliance(s) or prosthesis(es).

The dentist should inform the patient that he or she should participate in a prescribed program of continuing care to allow the dentist to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment provided.

Documentation of treatment provided, counseling and recommended preventive measures, as well as consultations with and referrals to other health care professionals should be included in the patient's dental record.